Cricket star pays tribute to Rachael
Cricket star Eoin Morgan paid tribute to Rachael Heyhoe Flint when he visited the Black Country – hailing her as a 'role model' for cricketers everywhere.
Morgan, 30, who is England's current limited overs captain, was in Wolverhampton to oversee the national finals of a 'street cricket' competition for youngsters.
And in the wake of England Women winning the World Cup, he hailed the influence of cricketing pioneer Rachael, who helped drive support for the women's game.
Rachael, herself a former England captain, was honoured ahead of the World Cup final at Lord's at the weekend.
The projection of her image on a big screen sparked a standing ovation – while her son Ben rang the famous Lord's bell before the second innings of the match.
Rachael's death in January sparked an outpouring of emotion from across the sporting world.
And after England Women clinched victory, her influence on increasing publicity for the women's game was widely praised.
Morgan said: "(Rachael) is a significant role model within the game.
"You have to admire somebody who can stick their neck out on the line and perhaps risk other things in order to gain ground.
"For the girls to be complementing her now for what she did is a testament to her achievements."
Morgan was mobbed by youngsters who attended the Chance to Shine street national finals at WV Active Aldersley on Wednesday.
After taking part in a question and answer session with around 30 of the young cricketers, Morgan happily signed autographs and posed for selfies.
He then ran a masterclass for the scores of under 12 and under 15 players who had headed to the leisure centre from across the country – demonstrating the innovative strokes that have made him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world.
